We disembarked the National Geographic Explorer in Akyreri for a day of activities in the Lake Myvatn area. We split into three groups for the day:
Everyone went to see the unique geologic wonders of the Lake Myvatn area, including several that are found nowhere else in the world. First, we all walked up to and around Godafoss, which is a huge waterfall tumbling over two basalt layers. Next, we walked around boiling mud pots and steaming fumeroles with sulfur deposited around the vents right on the Mid-Atlantic Rift. After lunch, we hiked around Dimmuborgir, which are hundreds of strange lava towers created when a lava lake drained away….or they might have been created by Iceland trolls!
In addition to these places, the geology group walked around the Skutustadir area at the south end of Lake Myvatn to see the unusual pseudo-craters formed by lava flowing over the wet lake bottom, which formed steam explosions. They also visited a lava cave with a hot water pool. Finally, this group climbed Hverfjall crater, where we had a great view over all of the volcanic features we visited previously throughout the day.
The photography group also visited other beautiful places throughout the day, including a waterfall to learn about freelance photography. Finally, the photographers visited the gorgeous green lake in Viti crater.
The Game of Thrones group visited several locations where the popular television show was filmed. In addition to the locations above, the group visited the lava cave and ate bread cooked in a fumerole. They ended the day with bathing in a large blue hot-water pool.
Finally, we all went to Husavik, where there was a beautiful harbor and a whaling museum. Then, we returned to the ship, which was moved to Husavik during the day.
After dinner, all the guests went ashore on Grimsey Island. We hiked up the road to the Arctic Circle monument. Then, we watched puffins and other sea birds fly high above the water, while other puffins walked around on the ledge. What a way to end an incredible day!
